Air compressor assembly with continuous auto drain tank

ABSTRACT

An air compressor assembly having an air tank which, during air usage, continuously discharges condensate accumulated in the air tank into the compressed air being released. The air tank has an air outlet port at its wall, through which compressed air and condensate are released for use in air powered tools during air usage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/408,860, filed Sep.6, 2002. Said U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/408,860 isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present application herein incorporates the following UnitedStates patent applications by reference in their entirety: AttorneyDocket Number “Express Mail” Mailing Label No. Filing Date PTG 02-96-3EV 338 284 614 US Jun. 20, 2003 PTG 02-96-4 EV 338 284 605 US Jun. 20,2003

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of aircompressors, and particularly to an air compressor assembly having anair tank which automatically and continuously discharges condensateaccumulated in the air tank during air usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An air compressor assembly is used to provide compressed air foroperating air powered tools such as nailing tools, socket driving tools,material shaping tools, sanding tools, spray painting tools, inflationchucks, and the like. During the utilization of an air compressorassembly, moisture in compressed air may build up at the bottom of anair tank of an air compressor assembly. Since condensate accumulation inthe air tank, if not drained timely, may cause tank corrosion, a drainvalve is conventionally provided at the bottom of the air tank to openup after a certain operating time of the air compressor assembly torelease condensate (e.g., condensed moisture) accumulated therein. Sucha drain valve requires constant monitoring, must be attended by adedicated person, and is therefore not practical in terms of labor costand working efficiency.

[0005] Thus, it would be desirable to provide an air compressor assemblythat is free from the drain valve, requires less maintenance time, andhas less tank corrosion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an aircompressor assembly having an air tank which, during air usage,continuously discharges condensate accumulated in the air tank into thecompressed air being released for use in air powered tools.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air tank has anair outlet port, through which compressed air and discharged condensatemay be released from the air tank.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the air tankhas a centrally hollow conduit inside the air tank through whichcompressed air and discharged condensate may be released from the airtank. The conduit, whose top open end is an air outlet port of the airtank, protrudes downward from the air outlet and has a lower open endpositioned in a vicinity of the bottom of the air tank.

[0009] According to the present invention, during air usage, thecompressed air being released may push condensate out of the tankthrough the air outlet or through the conduit. The compressed air beingreleased may mix with the discharged condensate and be used in airpowered tools. Because condensate within the air tank is continuouslydischarged during air usage, the condensate may be discharged in smallamounts not harmful to the air powered tools.

[0010] The air tank according to the present invention may be part ofair compressor assemblies in various styles, including a “pancake” typeair compressor assembly, a “hot-dog” type air compressor assembly, avertical “hot-dog” type air compressor assembly, a vertical stationarytype air compressor assembly, a “double hot-dog” type air compressorassembly, and the like.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention andtogether with the general description, serve to explain the principlesof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The numerous advantages of the present invention may be betterunderstood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanyingfigures in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a portable air compressorassembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the portable air compressorassembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the portable air compressorassembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of theportable air compressor assembly shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, wherein thefront shell of the shroud is removed for illustration of the air tank,air compressor and manifold assembly;

[0017]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the portable air compressorassembly shown in FIG. 4, further illustrating manifold assembly, aircompressor, and the air tank within the shroud of the portable aircompressor assembly, wherein the air tank is shown in a cross-sectionalview;

[0018]FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment ofthe portable air compressor assembly shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, whereinthe front shell of the shroud is removed for illustration of the airtank, air compressor and manifold assembly;

[0019]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the portable air compressorassembly shown in FIG. 6, further illustrating manifold assembly, aircompressor, and the air tank within the shroud of the portable aircompressor assembly, wherein the air tank is shown in a cross-sectionalview;

[0020]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an additional exemplary embodimentof the portable air compressor assembly shown in FIGS. 1 through 3,wherein the front shell of the shroud is removed for illustration of theair tank, air compressor and manifold assembly;

[0021]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the portable air compressorassembly shown in FIG. 8, further illustrating manifold assembly, aircompressor, and the air tank within the shroud of the portable aircompressor assembly, wherein the air tank is shown in a cross-sectionalview;

[0022]FIG. 10 is an isometric view illustrating a “pancake” type aircompressor assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0023]FIG. 11 is an isometric view illustrating a “hot dog” type aircompressor assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 12 is an isometric view illustrating a vertical “hot dog”type air compressor assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention; and

[0025]FIG. 13 is an isometric view illustrating a vertical stationarytype air compressor assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

[0027] Referring generally now to FIGS. 1 through 9, exemplaryembodiments of a portable air compressor assembly 100 in accordance withthe present invention are shown. It is understood that a portable aircompressor assembly means an air compressor assembly that can be carriedand/or moved with ease, and not as a structural limitation. The portableair compressor assembly 100 includes an air tank 102 (or 202), an aircompressor 104, and a manifold assembly 106 assembled within a shroud orhousing 108. The shroud 108, which is preferably formed of plastic, mayinclude a handle 118 allowing an operator to lift and transport theportable air compressor assembly 100 from place to place, and a controlpanel 120 for providing controls for the portable air compressorassembly 100.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3,the control panel 120 may include an on/off switch 122, a pressureregulator 124, a pressure gauge 126, a pressure relief safety valve 128,and a speed control switch 116. However, it is understood that thecontrol panel 120 may provide other controls depending on designpreferences.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4 through 9, the air compressor 104 may includea compressor 110 having one or more pistons 112 driven by a motor orengine 114. For example, in the exemplary embodiments illustrated, theair compressor 104 may include a single piston compressor 110 having asingle piston driven by a universal electric motor 114. By employing auniversal electric motor 114, the speed at which the motor 114 operates,and thus the speed at which the piston 112 is reciprocated, may bevaried by controlling the voltage supplied to the motor 114. In thismanner, the air flow rate supplied by the air compressor 104 throughconnecting piping or tubing 136 and/or manifold assembly 106 to the airtanks 102, 202 may be varied. For example, in the embodimentsillustrated, the speed control switch 116 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 mayallow an operator to select between a high speed operation mode whereinmaximum air flow is supplied to the air tanks 102, 202, and a low speedoperating mode wherein the compressor 110 runs more slowly reducing thenoise generated by the air compressor 104.

[0030]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of theportable air compressor assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, whereinthe front shell of the shroud 108 is removed. FIG. 5 is an isometricview of the portable air compressor assembly 100 shown in FIG. 4,wherein the air tank 102 is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the air tank 102 of the air compressorassembly 100 has an air inlet port 130 and an air outlet port 132, bothpositioned at the wall of the air tank 102. In the exemplary embodimentsshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the air inlet port 130 is located at an upperwall of the air tank 102, and the air outlet port 132 is located at alower wall of the air tank 102. It is understood that the locations ofthe air inlet port 130 and the air outlet port 132 at the wall of theair tank 102 may change, without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe present invention. The air inlet port 130 and the air outlet port132 are openings extending through the wall of the air tank 102.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the air compressor 104 may provide airto the air tank 102 through the tubing 136 and the air inlet port 130.There may exist a check valve (not shown) inside the air inlet port 130,which allows air to flow from the air compressor 104 to the air tank 102but prevents air from flowing from the air tank 102 to the aircompressor 104. The air tank 102 may be connected to the manifoldassembly 106 through outlet tubing 134. During air usage, compressed airbeing released from the air tank 102, because of its high pressure, maydrive condensate accumulated in the tank 102 out through the air outletport 132. The compressed air being released may mix with the dischargedcondensate and be used in air powered tools. Preferably, the dischargedcondensate is routed through the outlet tubing 134, the manifoldassembly 106 and any attached air hose to the air powered tools.

[0033]FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment ofthe portable air compressor assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3,wherein the front shell of the shroud 108 is removed. FIG. 7 is anisometric view of the portable air compressor assembly 100 shown in FIG.6, wherein the air tank 202 is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the air tank 102 of the air compressorassembly 100 has an air access port 132 positioned at the wall of theair tank 102. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, theair access port 132 is located at a lower wall of the air tank 102. Itis understood that the location of the air access port 132 at the wallof the air tank 102 may change, without departing from the scope andspirit of the present invention. The air access port 132 is an openingextending through the wall of the air tank 102.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the air compressor 104 is connected tothe manifold assembly 106 through the tubing 136, and the air tank 102is connected to the manifold assembly 106 through the air access port132 and tubing 134. There may exist a check valve (not shown) inside themanifold assembly 106, which allows air to flow from the air compressor104 to the manifold assembly 106 but prevents air from flowing from themanifold assembly 106 to the air compressor 104. Thus, the aircompressor 104 may supply air to the air tank 102 through the tubing136, the manifold assembly 106, the tubing 134 and the air access port132. Compressed air may be released from the air tank 102 through theair access port 132, the tubing 134, the manifold assembly 106, and anyattached air hose to the air powered tools. During air usage, compressedair being released from the air tank 102, because of its high pressure,may drive condensate accumulated in the tank 102 out through the airaccess port 132. The compressed air being released may mix with thedischarged condensate and be used in air powered tools.

[0036]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an additional exemplary embodimentof the portable air compressor assembly shown in FIGS. 1 through 3,wherein the front shell of the shroud is removed for illustration of theair tank, air compressor and manifold assembly. FIG. 9 is an isometricview of the portable air compressor assembly shown in FIG. 8, furtherillustrating manifold assembly, air compressor, and the air tank withinthe shroud of the portable air compressor assembly, wherein the air tankis shown in a cross-sectional view;

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the air tank 202 of the air compressorassembly 100 may have an air access port 150 (often referred to as a“spud”) positioned at a wall of the air tank 202. For example, in theexemplary embodiments, the air access port 150 is located at an upperwall of the air tank 202. However, it is understood the air access port150 may be located at a different position at the wall of the air tank202, without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention. The air access port 150 is an opening that extends throughthe wall of the air tank 202.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, the air access port 150 is connected to apressure switch assembly 118 which in turn is connected to the manifoldassembly 106 via connecting pipe or tubing 116. The pressure switchassembly 118 is used for regulating pressure within the air tank 202 byalternately starting and stopping the air compressor 104 to periodicallyreplenish the supply of air in the tank 202. When pressure within thetank 202 reaches a preset low pressure point, or “kick-in pressure”, thepressure switch assembly 118 starts the air compressor 104 tore-pressurize the tank 202. As the pressure within the tank 202 reachesa preset high pressure point, or “kick-out pressure”, the pressureswitch assembly 118 stops the air compressor 104 to preventover-pressurization of the tank 202. In this manner, the pressure of thecompressed air in the compressed air storage tank 202 is maintainedwithin a range generally suitable for powering one or more air poweredtools.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the air access port 150 is an upper open endof a centrally hollow conduit 138 which is located inside the air tank202. The conduit 138 protrudes downward from the air access port 150 andhas a lower open end 140 positioned in a vicinity of the bottom of theair tank 202. Through the air access port 150 and the conduit 138,compressed air may be provided to the air tank 202 by the air compressor104. For example, the air compressor 104 may supply air to the air tank202 through the tubing 136, the manifold assembly 106, the connectingtubing 116, the pressure switch assembly 118, the air access port 150,and the conduit 138. There may exist a check valve (not shown) insidethe manifold assembly 106, which allows air to flow from the aircompressor 104 to the manifold assembly 106 but prevents air fromflowing from the manifold assembly 106 to the air compressor 104.

[0040] Compressed air may be released from the air tank 102 through theconduit 138, the air access port 150, the connecting tubing 116, thepressure switch assembly 118, the manifold assembly 106, and anyattached air hose to the air powered tools. During air usage compressedair being released from the air tank 202, because of its high pressure,may push condensate accumulated inside the air tank 202 out through thelower open end 140, the conduit 138 and the air access port 150. Thecompressed air being released may mix with the discharged condensedmoisture and be used in air powered tools.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, because condensate within the airtanks 102, 202 is continuously discharged during air usage, thecondensate is discharged in small amounts not harmful to the air tool.Accordingly, the air tanks 102, 202 do not require a drain valve such asis commonly found in the air tanks of conventional air compressorassemblies for draining condensate from the tank. Thus, the drain valvemay be eliminated. Furthermore, the time required for maintenance of theair compressor assembly 100 is reduced compared to that of aconventional air compressor assembly, since the air tanks 102, 202 donot have to be manually drained on a periodic basis. Moreover, tankcorrosion is reduced because condensate removal is continuous and notdependent on operator maintenance actions.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9, ifmoisture-free air is required (e.g., for paint spraying or the like), amoisture separator may be coupled to an air hose that is connected tothe air compressor assembly 100. However, such moisture separators arealso required by a conventional air compressor assembly for applicationssuch as paint spraying, since it is known that moisture condenses in airhoses as well as in the air tank of a compressor assembly. Thus,compared to a conventional air compressor assembly, the air compressorassembly 100 of the present invention would require no additionalequipment if used for applications requiring removal of moisture (e.g.,such as providing air to spray paint).

[0043] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9,the air tanks 102, 202 are enclosed within and supported by the shroud108. The shroud 108 may also enclose the air compressor 104, themanifold assembly 106, the connecting piping or tubing 136, andelectrical wiring. Because the air tanks 102, 202 are typically notvisible to viewers of the shroud 108 from outside of the assembledshroud, the air tanks 102, 202 may be fabricated and assembled into theunit without first being painted. In this manner, processing through anexpensive and time consuming paint process is eliminated, improvingmanufacturing efficiencies to lower cost. Moreover, all potentially hottubing between the air compressor 104 and the air tanks 102, 202 isenclosed in the shroud 108, thereby reducing the risk of operator burninjuries from hot tubing surfaces. An additional advantage of theenclosed air tanks 102, 202 is that the air tanks 102, 202 may warm upmore quickly than an exposed tank by absorbing heat from the aircompressor 104. The air tanks 102, 202 may also retain heat longerbecause of reduced convection and radiation cooling to the outside air.By keeping the air tanks 102, 202 warmer, the tanks 102, 202 are lesslikely to condense moisture, resulting in reduced tank corrosion.

[0044] Referring generally now to FIGS. 10 through 13, exemplaryembodiments of air compressor assemblies in various styles in accordancewith the present invention are shown. Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary“pancake” type air compressor assembly 800 in accordance with thepresent invention is shown. The air compressor assembly 800 may includean air tank 802, an air compressor 804, and a manifold assembly 806. Theair tank 802 is a flattened oval tank, often referred to informally inthe art as a “pancake” style tank. The air tank 802 may be made ofplastic, metal such as steel, or the like. The air tank 802 has an airinlet port which is connected to the air compressor 804 through tubing834. There may exist a check valve (not shown) inside the air inletport, which allows air to flow from the air compressor 804 to the airtank 802 but prevents air from flowing from the air tank 802 to the aircompressor 804. An air outlet port 832 is located at the wall of the airtank 802. Preferably, air outlet port 832 is located at the bottom ofthe air tank 802. The air outlet port 832 is an opening that extendsthrough the tank wall and is connected to the manifold assembly 806through outlet tubing. The air compressor assembly 800 may also includea wheel assembly 860 for transporting the air compressor assembly 800.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary “hot-dog” type air compressorassembly 900 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The aircompressor assembly 900 may include an air tank 902, an air compressor904, and a manifold assembly 906. The air tank 902 is a horizontallydisposed, cylindrical compressed air tank, typically referred toinformally in the art as a “hot-dog” style tank. The air tank 902 may bemade of plastic, metal such as steel, or the like. The air tank 902 hasan air inlet port which is connected to the air compressor 904 throughtubing 934. There may exist a check valve (not shown) inside the airinlet port, which allows air to flow from the air compressor 904 to theair tank 902 but prevents air from flowing from the air tank 902 to theair compressor 904. An air outlet port 932 is located at the wall of theair tank 902. Preferably, air outlet port 932 is located at the bottomof the air tank 902. The air outlet port 932 is an opening that extendsthrough the tank wall and is connected to the manifold assembly 906through outlet tubing. The air compressor assembly 900 may also includea wheel assembly 960 for transporting the air compressor assembly 900.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 12, an exemplary vertical “hot-dog” type aircompressor assembly 1000 in accordance with the present invention isshown. The air compressor assembly 1000 may include an air tank 1002, anair compressor 1004, and a manifold assembly 1006. The air tank 1002 isa vertically disposed, cylindrical compressed air tank, typicallyreferred to informally in the art as a vertical “hot-dog” style tank.The air tank 1002 may be made of plastic, metal such as steel, or thelike. The air tank 1002 has an air inlet port which is connected to theair compressor 1004 through tubing 1034. There may exist a check valve(not shown) inside the air inlet port, which allows air to flow from theair compressor 1004 to the air tank 1002 but prevents air from flowingfrom the air tank 1002 to the air compressor 1004. An air outlet port1032 is located at the wall of the air tank 1002. Preferably, air outletport 1032 is located at the bottom of the air tank 1002. The air outletport 1032 is an opening that extends through the tank wall and isconnected to the manifold assembly 1006 through outlet tubing. The aircompressor assembly 1000 may also include a wheel assembly 1060 fortransporting the air compressor assembly 1000.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 13, an exemplary vertical stationary type aircompressor assembly 1100 in accordance with the present invention isshown. The air compressor assembly 1100 may include a verticallydisposed air tank 1102, an air compressor 1104, and a manifold assembly1106. The air compressor assembly 1100 is stationary, that is, it maynot be easily transported. The air tank 1102 may be made of plastic,metal such as steel, or the like. The air tank 1102 has an air inletport which is connected to the air compressor 1104 through tubing 1134.There may exist a check valve (not shown) inside the air inlet port,which allows air to flow from the air compressor 1104 to the air tank1102 but prevents air from flowing from the air tank 1102 to the aircompressor 1104. An air outlet port 1132 is located at the wall of theair tank 1102. Preferably, air outlet port 1032 is located at the bottomof the air tank 1002. The air outlet port 1132 is an opening thatextends through the tank wall and is connected to the manifold assembly1106 through outlet tubing.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 13,the air compressors 804, 904, 1004, 1104 may provide air to the airtanks 802, 902, 1002, 1102 through tubing 834, 934, 1034, 1134,respectively. During air usage, compressed air being released from theair tanks 802, 902, 1002, 1102, because of its high pressure, may drivecondensate accumulated in the tanks 802, 902, 1002, 1102 out through theair outlet ports 832, 932, 1032, 1132, respectively. The compressed airbeing released may mix with the discharged condensate and be used by airpowered tools.

[0049] It is understood that the air tanks 802, 902, 1002, 1102 of theair compressor assemblies 800, 900, 1000, 1100 may have theconfiguration shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention. That is, instead of having an airinlet port and a separate air outlet port, the air tank may have asingle air access port, through which air may be supplied to the airtank from the air compressor, and compressed air and condensateaccumulated in the air tank may be released for use by air tools.

[0050] It is understood that the air tanks 802, 902, 1002, 1102 of theair compressor assemblies 800, 900, 1000, 1100 may have theconfiguration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention. That is, the air tank may have acentrally hollow conduit located inside the air tank. Through theconduit, compressed air may be supplied to the air tank from the aircompressor, and compressed air and condensate accumulated in the airtank may be released for use by air tools.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 13,because condensate within the air tanks 802, 902, 1002, 1102 iscontinuously discharged during air usage, the condensate is dischargedin small amounts not harmful to the air tool. Accordingly, the air tanks802, 902, 1002, 1102 do not require a drain valve such as is commonlyfound in the air tanks of conventional air compressor assemblies fordraining condensate from the tank. Thus, the drain valve may beeliminated. Furthermore, the time required for maintenance of the aircompressor assembly 800, 900, 1000, 1100 is reduced compared to that ofa conventional air compressor assembly, since the air tanks 802, 902,1002, 1102 do not have to be manually drained on a periodic basis.Moreover, tank corrosion is reduced because condensate removal iscontinuous and not dependent on operator maintenance actions.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 13,if moisture-free air is required (e.g., for paint spraying or the like),a moisture separator may be coupled to an air hose that is connected tothe air compressor assembly 800, 900, 1000, 1100. However, such moistureseparators are also required by a conventional air compressor assemblyfor applications such as paint spraying, since it is known that moisturecondenses in air hoses as well as in the air tank of a compressorassembly. Thus, compared to a conventional air compressor assembly, theair compressor assembly 800, 900, 1000, 1100 of the present inventionwould require no additional equipment if used for applications requiringremoval of moisture (e.g., such as providing air to spray paint).

[0053] It is understood that the air compressor assembly according tothe present invention may also have air tanks of other configurationswithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.For example, it may have two horizontally disposed cylindricalcompressed air tanks, positioned side by side in a vertically oriented“double hot-dog” configuration.

[0054] It is also understood that the specific order or hierarchy ofsteps in the methods disclosed are examples of exemplary approaches.Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remainingwithin the scope of the present invention. The accompanying methodclaims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and arenot meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0055] It is believed that the present invention and many of itsattendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. Itis also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may bemade in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereofwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages, the form herein beforedescribed being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is theintention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air compressor assembly, comprising: an airtank for containing air at an elevated pressure, the air tank having anair inlet port and an air outlet port therein; an air compressor forsupplying air for storage in the air tank through a first tubing, thefirst tubing connecting the air inlet port to the air compressor; and asecond tubing connecting the air outlet port to a manifold assembly;wherein compressed air in the air tank is discharged through the airoutlet port, the second tubing, and the manifold assembly during airusage.
 2. The air compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the aircompressor assembly is of a portable type.
 3. The air compressorassembly of claim 2, wherein the portable air compressor assembly isenclosed in a shroud.
 4. The air compressor assembly of claim 3, whereinthe shroud is made of plastic.
 5. The air compressor assembly of claim3, wherein the shroud includes a handle to allow the portable aircompressor assembly to be lifted and transported from place to place. 6.The air compressor assembly of claim 3, further comprises a controlpanel to allow operation of the portable air compressor assembly to becontrolled.
 7. The air compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the aircompressor assembly is of a “pancake” type.
 8. The air compressorassembly of claim 1, wherein the air compressor assembly is of a“hot-dog” type.
 9. The air compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein theair compressor assembly is of a vertical “hot-dog” type.
 10. The aircompressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the air compressor assembly isof a “double hot-dog” type.
 11. The air compressor assembly of claim 1,wherein the air compressor assembly is of a vertical stationary type.12. The air compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the air outlet portis positioned at a bottom wall of the air tank.
 13. The air compressorassembly of claim 1, wherein the air inlet port is positioned at a topwall of the air tank.
 14. The air compressor assembly of claim 1,wherein the air inlet port includes a check valve for preventing airfrom flowing from the air tank to the air compressor.
 15. An aircompressor assembly, comprising: an air tank for containing air at anelevated pressure, the air tank having an air access port therein; anair compressor for supplying air for storage in the air tank; a firsttubing connecting the air compressor to a manifold assembly; and asecond tubing connecting the manifold assembly to the air access port;wherein compressed air in the air tank is discharged through the airaccess port, the second tubing, and the manifold assembly during airusage.
 16. The air compressor assembly of claim 15, wherein the aircompressor assembly is of a portable type.
 17. The air compressorassembly of claim 16, wherein the portable air compressor assembly isenclosed in a shroud.
 18. The air compressor assembly of claim 17,wherein the shroud is made of plastic.
 19. The air compressor assemblyof claim 17, wherein the shroud includes a handle to allow the portableair compressor assembly to be lifted and transported from place toplace.
 20. The air compressor assembly of claim 17, further comprises acontrol panel to allow operation of the portable air compressor assemblyto be controlled.
 21. The air compressor assembly of claim 15, whereinthe air compressor assembly is of a “pancake” type.
 22. The aircompressor assembly of claim 15, wherein the air compressor assembly isof a “hot-dog” type.
 23. The air compressor assembly of claim 15,wherein the air compressor assembly is of a vertical “hot-dog” type. 24.The air compressor assembly of claim 15, wherein the air compressorassembly is of a “double hot-dog” type.
 25. The air compressor assemblyof claim 15, wherein the air compressor assembly is of a verticalstationary type.
 26. The air compressor assembly of claim 15, whereinthe air access port is positioned at a bottom wall of the air tank. 27.The air compressor assembly of claim 15, wherein the manifold assemblyincludes a check valve for preventing air from flowing from the manifoldassembly to the air compressor.
 28. An air compressor assembly,comprising: an air tank for containing air at an elevated pressurehaving an air access port thereof, the air access port being an open endof a centrally hollow conduit positioned inside the air tank; an aircompressor for supplying air for storage in the air tank; a first tubingconnecting the air compressor to a manifold assembly; and a secondtubing connecting the manifold assembly to the air access port; whereincompressed air in the air tank is discharged through the conduit, theair access port, the second tubing, and the manifold assembly during airusage.
 29. The air compressor assembly of claim 28, wherein the aircompressor assembly is of a portable type.
 30. The air compressorassembly of claim 29, wherein the portable air compressor assembly isenclosed in a shroud.
 31. The air compressor assembly of claim 30,wherein the shroud is made of plastic.
 32. The air compressor assemblyof claim 30, wherein the shroud includes a handle to allow the portableair compressor assembly to be lifted and transported from place toplace.
 33. The air compressor assembly of claim 30, further comprises acontrol panel to allow operation of the portable air compressor assemblyto be controlled.
 34. The air compressor assembly of claim 28, whereinthe air compressor assembly is of a “pancake” type.
 35. The aircompressor assembly of claim 28, wherein the air compressor assembly isof a “hot-dog” type.
 36. The air compressor assembly of claim 28,wherein the air compressor assembly is of a vertical “hot-dog” type. 37.The air compressor assembly of claim 28, wherein the air compressorassembly is of a “double hot-dog” type.
 38. The air compressor assemblyof claim 28, wherein the air compressor assembly is of a verticalstationary type.
 39. The air compressor assembly of claim 28, whereinthe air access port is positioned at a top wall of the air tank.
 40. Theair compressor assembly of claim 28, wherein the manifold assemblyincludes a check valve for preventing air from flowing from the manifoldassembly to the air compressor.
 41. A method for discharging condensatewithin an air tank of an air compressor assembly, comprising: supplyingan air tank for storing air at an elevated pressure; and dischargingcondensate within the air tank into compressed air being released fromthe air tank during air usage.
 42. The method of claim 41, furthercomprising routing discharged condensate and compressed air through airoutlet tubing to an air powered tool.
 43. The method of claim 42,wherein the discharging step is performed so that the condensate isdischarged in small amounts not harmful to the air powered tool.